FUNDING has been secured to revamp the Charford estate and now Safer Partnership Bromsgrove wants to hear residents’ views on what they would like to see improved.
The improvement works aim to support people in the area, deter crime and reduce anti-social behaviour.
Tibberton Court will be the initial focus for this project, to build on the successful work that Bromsgrove District Housing Trust did earlier this year in Charford.
Among the improvements then were making a playground safe and inviting for children in the community to enjoy by adding new equipment, lighting and fencing.
Initial consultation with Tibberton Court residents will take place between 11am and 3pm on Monday, June 14.
During this time there will be the opportunity for people to share their thoughts on the security improvements they would like implemented within the area, as well as having the opportunity to have free, bike and home security marking undertaken.
Residents who cannot make the event also have the opportunity to respond through an online survey at www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/TibbertonCourtJune2021/
Because the cash was secured through BDHT and the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office, alongside the Tibberton Court work, SmartWater property marking will also be offered to all residents across five sheltered housing schemes. Key security advice will also be offered to enable people to ensure they keep their belongings safe this summer.
It follows a spate of incidents of burglary last summer on the sheltered housing complex within the Charford area.
The high-tech SmartWater uses a unique DNA style code for every household meaning if property is stolen, owners can be reunited with it when it is recovered. The presence of SmartWater on thieves’ bodies or clothes has also led to criminal convictions. Such is its reputation for catching culprits, places which have become SmartWater areas – and the accompanying signs warning thieves – have seen dramatic drops in crime.
The council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Coun Philip Thomas, said: “Whether you’re a council tenant, rent, own your home, live in a flat, house, sheltered accommodation, or anything in between, our home is where we should feel safest.
“Even small changes, like SmartWater marking or physically securing your property can make all the difference.
“I hope residents in Charford attend the consultations because their input will help shape the project going forward to address the issues that might be bothering them.”
District councillor and ward member for Charford, Coun Michael Thompson, said: “We want residents to feel safe in their communities and by working together we can achieve that.
“This project has the potential to make a real difference within Charford and is an opportunity for this proud community to shape its future.”
The Safer Bromsgrove Partnership is made up of partner organisations, including, Bromsgrove District Council, Bromsgrove District Housing Trust, Churches Together and West Mercia Police.
For more information go to https://nwcsp.org/about-us/safer-bromsgrove
